ASTM F1958/F1958M-99
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining the Ignitability of Non-flame-Resistance Materials for Clothing by Electric Arc Exposure Method Using Mannequins
Standard Test Method for Determining the Ignitability of Non-flame-Resistance Materials for Clothing by Electric Arc Exposure Method Using Mannequins
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is used to identify materials that are ignitable and that can continue to burn when exposed to an electric arc, and determines (a) the incident exposure energy that causes ignition, and (b) the probability of ignition.
1.2 The specimens tested in this test method are materials fabricated in the form of shirts.
1.3 This test method shall be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to convective and radiant energy generated by an electric arc under controlled laboratory conditions.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F 1958/F 1958M – 99
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Ignitability of Non-flame-Resistant Materials
for Clothing by Electric Arc Exposure Method Using
Mannequins
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1958/F 1958M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope F 1494 Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
F 1506 Performance Specification for Textile Materials for
1.1 This test method is used to identify materials that are
WearingApparel for Use by ElectricalWorkers Exposed to
ignitable and that can continue to burn when exposed to an
Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards.
electric arc, and determines (a) the incident exposure energy
F 1959/F 1959M Test Method for Determining The Arc
that causes ignition, and (b) the probability of ignition.
Thermal Performance Value Of Materials for Clothing
1.2 The specimens tested in this test method are materials
2.2 ANSI/IEEE Standards:
fabricated in the form of shirts.
Standard Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms
1.3 This test method shall be used to measure and describe
the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response
3. Terminology
to convective and radiant energy generated by an electric arc
3.1 Definitions:
under controlled laboratory conditions.
3.1.1 See also Terminology D 4391.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or in other units shall
3.1.2 arc duration, n—time duration of the arc, s.
be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
3.1.3 arc energy, vi dt, n—sum of the instantaneous arc
system may not be exact equivalents, therefore each system
voltage values multiplied by the instantaneous arc current
must be used independently of the other, without combining
values multiplied by the incremental time values during the
values in any way.
arc, J.
1.5 This standard shall not be used to describe or appraise
3.1.4 arc gap, n—distance between the arc electrodes, in.
the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies
3.1.5 arc voltage, n—voltage across the gap caused by the
under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may
current flowing through the resistance created by the arc gap,
be used as elements of a fire assessment which takes into
V.
account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment
3.1.6 asymmetrical arc current, n—the total arc current
of the fire hazard of a particular end use.
produced during closure; it includes a direct component and a
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
symmetrical component, A.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.7 blowout, n—the extinguishing of the arc caused by a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
magnetic field.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.8 closure, n—point on supply current wave form where
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
arc is initiated.
1.7 For specific precautions, see Section 7.
3.1.9 delta peak temperature, n—difference between the
2. Referenced Documents maximum temperature and the initial temperature of the sensor
during the test, °C.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.10 heatflux, n—the thermal intensity indicated by the
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
amount of energy transmitted per unit area and time (cal/
D 4391 Terminology Relating to the Burning Behavior of
2 2
cm s)(W/cm ).
Textiles
3.1.11 i t, n—sum of the instantaneous arc current values
squared multiplied by the incremental time values during the
arc, A /s.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-18 on
Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F18.65 on Wearing Apparel.
Current edition approved April 10, 1999. Published November 1999. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.03.
published as PS 57 – 97. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.03.
2 6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01. Available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc., 345 E.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.02. 47th St., New York, NY 10017.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 1958/F 1958M
3.1.12 ignitability, n (ignitable, adj)—in electric arc expo- 6. Apparatus
sure, the property of a material involving ignition accompanied
6.1 General Arrangement for Determining Ignitability Us-
by heat and light, and continued burning resulting in consump-
ing Mannequins and Monitor Sensors—The test apparatus
tion of at least 25 % of the exposed area of the test specimen.
shall consist of supply bus, arc controller, recorder, arc
3.1.13 ignition, n—the initiation of combustion.
electrodes, mannequins, and incident energy monitoring sen-
3.1.14 incident energy (E), n—the amount of energy (total
sors. The arc exposure shall be monitored with two incident
i
heat, cal/cm ) received at a surface as a direct result of an
energy monitoring sensors for each mannequin.
electrical arc discharge as measured by temperature rise on
6.1.1 Arrangement of the Mannequins—Aminimum of two
copper calorimeters.
mannequinswithtwomonitoringsensorseachshallbeusedfor
3.1.15 incident energy monitoring sensors—sensors each test. Position monitor sensors on each side of the
mounted on each side of the mannequins. mannequins as shown in Fig. 1.An additional mannequin with
monitoring sensors may be placed around the arc as shown in
3.1.15.1 Discussion—Sensors use the calorimeters de-
Fig. 2 to evaluate multiple samples of the same materials at the
scribed in Test Method F 1957/F 1957M.
same distance from the arc. Each mannequin shall be visually
3.1.16 peak arc current, n—maximum value of the AC arc
observed for ignition.
current, A.
6.1.2 Specimen Holder—Use a male mannequin torso, size
3.1.17 RMS arc current, n—root mean square of theAC arc
large, made from non-conductive fiberglass construction. (A
current, A.
mannequin, such as Model 7001 D, Morgese Soriano or
3.1.18 time to delta peak temperature, n—the time from
equivalent is acceptable). The mannequin shall be constructed
beginning of the initiation of the arc to the time the delta peak
in an erect posture. The mannequin head may be removable.
temperature is reached, s.
The mannequins shall have detachable arms that are straight
3.1.19 X/R ratio, n—the ratio of system inductive reactance
and mount in a vertical position to allow the test specimen at
toresistance.ItisproportionaltotheL/Rratiooftimeconstant,
the chest to be the closest point to the centerline of the arc.The
and is, therefore, indicative of the rate of decay of any DC
arms of the mannequins may be shortened to 4 in. [102 mm] to
offset. A large X/R ratio corresponds to a large time constant
permit ease of specimen mounting. The position of the man-
and a slow rate of decay.
nequins from the centerline of the arc electrodes shall be
3.2 For definitions of other textile terms used in this test
adjustable from 8 in. [203 mm] to 24 in. [610 mm] as shown
method, refer to Terminologies D 123 and F 1494.
in Figs. 1 and 3.
6.1.3 The mannequins may be instrumented. Refer to Ap-
4. Summary of Test Method
pendix X1.
4.1 This test method exposes a material to heat energy from
6.2 Supply Bus and Electrodes—A typical arrangement of
anelectricarc,anddetermines(a)theincidentexposureenergy
the supply bus and arc electrodes is shown in Fig. 2. The arc
that causes ignition, and (b) the probability of ignition.
shall be in a vertical position as shown.
4.1.1 During this procedure, a material is observed for
6.2.1 Electrodes—Make the electrodes from stainless steel
ignitability during and after exposure to an electric arc. (Alloy Type 303 or Type 304) rod of a nominal ⁄4–in. [19–
mm] diameter. Lengths of 18 in. [450 mm] long initially have
4.2 Materialperformanceisdeterminedfromtheignitability
been found to be adequate.
of the specimen(s).
6.2.2 Fuse Wire—A fuse wire, connecting the ends of
opposing electrodes tips, is used to initiate the arc. This wire is
5. Significance and Use
consumed during the test; therefore, its mass shall be very
5.1 This test method determines the ignitability of materials
in single or multiple layers.
5.1.1 Material performance shall be determined from the
ignitability of the specimen(s) and shall be reported as a
probability of ignition at various incident energy levels.
5.1.2 Materials which meet the flame resistance require-
ments of Specification F 1506 do not require testing by this test
method unless the mechanism of passing Specification F 1506
involves melting and escape from the flame source (for
example, coated fabrics, certain rainwear fabrics).
5.2 This test method maintains the specimen in a static,
vertical position and does not involve movement except that
resulting from the exposure.
5.3 This test method specifies a standard set of exposure
conditions. Different exposure conditions may produce differ-
ent results. In addition to the standard set of exposure condi-
tions, other conditions representative of the expected hazard
may be used. FIG. 1 Mannequin With Monitor Sensors
F 1958/F 1958M
FIG. 2 Supply Bus and Arc Electrodes Showing Mannequin(s) Position(s)
small to reduce the chance of molten metal burns. The fuse duration, voltage and energy shall be displayed in graph form
wireshallbeacopperwirewithadiameternogreaterthan0.02 and stored in digital format.
in. [0.05 mm]. 6.5 Data Acquisition System—The system shall be capable
of recording voltage, current, and sufficient calorimeter outputs
6.3 Electric Supply—The electric supply should be suffi-
as required by the test. The sensitivity and accuracy of the data
cient to allow for the discharge of an electric arc with a gap of
acquisition system shall be as described in Test Method
up to 12 in. [305 mm], with alternating arc current from 4000
F 1957/F 1957M.
upto25000amperesandwitharcdurationfrom3cycles[0.05
6.6 Data Acquisition System Protection—Due to the nature
s] up to 90 cycles [1.5 s] from a 60 Hz supply. The X/R ratio
of this type of testing, the use of isolating devices on the
of the test circuit shall be such that the test current contains a
calorimeter outputs to protect the acquisition system is recom-
DC component resulting in the first peak of the test current
mended.
having a magnitude of 2.3 times the symmetrical RMS value.
6.4 Test Circuit Control—Repeat exposures of the arc cur-
7. Precautions
rents shall not deviate more than 2 % per test from the selected
test level. The make switch shall be capable of point on wave 7.1 The test apparatus discharges large amounts of energy.
closing within 0.2 cycles from test to test, such that the closing
In addition, the electric arc produces very intense light. Care
angle will produce maximum asymmetrical current with an should be taken to protect personnel working in the area.
X/R ratio of the test circuit as stated in 6.3. The arc current, Workers should be behind protective barriers or at a safe
duration, and voltage shall be measured. The arc, current, distance to prevent electrocution and contact with molten
F 1958/F 1958M
8.2 Conditioning of Test Specimens:
8.2.1 Launder the required number of test specimens.
8.2.1.1 Launder three times in a washing machine using
commercially available detergent without chlorine bleach and
with a warm 120°F (50°C) water setting.
NOTE 1—Drying is not required following the first two launderings.
8.2.1.2 Following the three laundering cycles, tumble dry in
a dryer on a setting appropriate for the fabric. Remove
specimens when dry.
8.2.1.3 Samples may be restored to a flat condition by
pressing.
8.2.2 For those materials that require cleaning other than
laundering, follow the manufacturer’s recommended practice
and note the procedure used in the test reports.
9. Calibration and Standardization
9.1 Data Collection System Precalibration—The data col-
lection system shall be calibrated by using a thermocouple
calibrator/simulator. This will allow calibrations to be made at
FIG. 3 Arrangement of Mannequin(s)
multiple points and at levels above 100°C. Due to the nature of
the tests frequent calibration checks are recommended.
metal. Workers wishing to directly view the test should use 9.2 Calorimeter Calibration Check—Calorimeters shall be
very heavily tinted glasses such as ANSI/ASC Filter Shade 12
checked to verify proper operation. Measure and graph the
welding glasses. If the test is conducted indoors, there shall be temperature rise of each calorimeter and system response. At
a means to ventilate the area to carry away combustion
30 s no one calorimeter response shall vary by more than 4°C
products, smoke, and fumes. Air currents can disturb the arc,
from the average of all calorimeters. Any calorimeter not
reducing the heatflux at the surface of any of the calorimeters.
meeting this requirement shall be suspected of faulty connec-
The test apparatus should be shielded by non-combustible
tions and shall be replaced or repaired.
materials suitable for the test area. Outdoor tests shall be
NOTE 2—One acceptable method is to expose each calorimeter to a
conducted in a manner appropriate to prevent exposure of the
fixed radiant energy source for 30s. For example, place the front surface
testspecimentomoistureandwind(theelements).Theleadsto
of a 500 W spot light 10.5 in. from the calorimeter. The spot shall be
the test apparatus should be positioned to prevent blowout of
centered on and perpendicular to the calorimeter.
the electric arc. The test apparatus should be insulated from
9.3 Arc Exposure Calibration—Prior to each calibration,
ground for the appropriate test voltage.
position the electrodes of the test apparatus to produce a 12–in.
7.2 The test apparatus, electrodes and calorimeter assem-
[305–mm] gap. The face of the monitor sensors shall be
blies become hot during testing. Use protective gloves when
parallel and normal to the centerline of the electrodes. The
handling these hot objects.
midpoint of the electrode gap shall be at the same elevation as
7.3 Use care when the specimen ignites or releases combus-
thecenterpointofthemonitorsensors(seeFig.1).Connectthe
tible gases. An appropriate fire extinguisher should be readily
fuse wire to the end of one electrode by making several wraps
available. Ensure all materials are fully extinguished.
and twists and then to the end of the other ele
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.